Addressing SLCPs in the Himalaya: ICIMOD s Atmosphere Initiative

Transcription

1 Addressing SLCPs in the Himalaya: ICIMOD s Atmosphere Initiative International Centre for Arnico Integrated K. Panday Mountain Development Senior Atmospheric Scientist Kathmandu, Programme Nepal Coordinator, Atmosphere Initiative International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) Kathmandu, Nepal Japan Side Event on SLCPs National Stadium Warsaw, Poland, 19 November 2013 ICIMOD International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development 8 member intergovernmental organization Afghanistan Bangladesh Bhutan China India Myanmar Nepal Pakistan

2 ICIMOD s Regional Programme 4 Cryosphere and Atmosphere Cryosphere Initiative Atmosphere Initiative The atmosphere Initiative The team: Arnico Panday (coordinator) Vanisa Surapipith Bidya Banmali Pradhan Renate Fleiner Sandro Blumer Linda Maharjan Liza Maharjan Maheswar Rupakheti (visiting scientist) + 2 new hires Established in January 2013

3 Initiative Objectives 1. Improve scientific knowledge about emissions sources, atmospheric processes, atmospheric change and impacts in the region. 2. Identify, pilot, and disseminate effective mitigation options. 3. Build capacity in the region. 4. Facilitate trans-boundary collaboration and sharing. 5. Contribute to national, regional, and global policy. Motivating research questions

4 What is black carbon s contributions to melting Himalayan snow and ice? Photo: ICIMOD archive What fraction of the melting is due to: Greenhouse gas induced warming Black carbon warming of the air Black carbon deposition onto white surfaces? Changes in precipitation due to aerosol effects? Photo: A. Panday High altitude observatory (Langtang, Nepal) Atmospheric modeling MODIS Airborne Terra, measurements 15 February 2008 over snow and ice (in collaboration with NASA)

5 What is the contribution of the Indo-Gangetic Plains to pollution in Himalayan valleys? Ridge-top observatories on top of foothills in Bhutan and Nepal Atmospheric modeling Are high altitude forest fires a big source of black carbon reaching the glaciers? High altitude observatory (Langtang, Nepal) Atmospheric modeling Airborne measurements over snow and ice (in collaboration with NASA)

6 How do pollutants cross the Himalaya? Haze in the cross-himalayan Kali Gandaki Valley Observatory in Jomsom, Nepal (in collaboration with University of Virginia) Atmospheric modeling Why has there been a big increase in winter fog covering the northern Indo-Gangetic Plains? Airplane view on 29 Dec 2012 Satellite view on 29 Dec 2012 Atmospheric modeling (Upcoming) winter field campaign Observatory in Lumbini, Nepal

7 Are increases in black carbon and other aerosols changing the monsoon? Ridge-top observatories on top of foothills in Bhutan and Nepal Atmospheric modeling What fraction of Kathmandu s air pollution is local? What are the relative contributions from vehicles, from brick kilns, from garbage fires? How much is from outside the valley, from the surrounding hills and valleys, from southern Nepal and from India? Sustainable Atmosphere for the Kathmandu Valley (SusKat-ABC) field campaign (Jan-June 2013) and follow-up activities. Atmospheric modeling (in collaboration with multible groups) Establishment of permanent air pollution monitoring station.

8 To what extent does the time of day of fires matter? Garbage fires Garbage fires at dusk Measurement of emissions sources (proposed collaboration with U. Montana) Atmospheric modeling Planned ICIMOD-initiated atmospheric observatories Manora Peak 2000m Jomsom 2900 m NCO-P 5079 m Nam Tso 4900 m Kanpur 125 m

9 The upcoming two ridge-top observatories Manora Peak 2000m Jomsom 2900 m NCO-P 5079 m Nam Tso 4720 m Kanpur 125 m Ichhyakamana, Nepal m Gedu, Bhutan ~2200 m BHUTAN SITE Gedu pass Proposed site

10 View from Gedu, Bhutan to the South: BHUTAN SITE Proposed observatory in Ichhyakamana, Nepal NEPAL SITE Proposed observatory

11 VIEW FROM ICHHYAKAMANA SITE, LOOKING WEST NEPAL SITE View from Ichhyakamana site looking north NEPAL SITE Annapurna Himalaya Manaslu Himalaya

12 Ichhyakamana & Gedu to be equipped with instruments to measure: Carbon dioxide, methane, ozone Aerosol size distribution Cloud condensation nuclei Aerosol composition, including black carbon Aerosol optical properties meteorology CURRENT STATUS: proposals submitted to governments of Nepal and Bhutan, answered questions waiting for approval to proceed with construction Three satellite stations to be set up in 2014: Langtang (just below Mera Glacier) Lumbini (Nepal-India border) Kathmandu City Jomsom Langtang Ichhyakamana Kathmandu City Lumbini

13 The Atmosphere Initiative s work on mitigation Assess the menu of choices available: Cook stoves Brick production Transportation Do research in those areas where we can provide value-added knowledge. Improved biomass cook stoves: To what extent do they reduce BC emissions? How does one effectively disseminate stoves that reduce BC?

14 Upcoming study in Makwanpur, Nepal Controlled experiment 2 very similar valleys, in Bajrabarahi (intervention) and Chitlang (control). Work with local women s group to distribute best available fan-assisted biomass cookstove in 700 households of Bajrabarahi. Monitor indoor, outdoor air quality, people s health (with medical students) Study social aspects of cookstove distribution. Capacity building & knowledge distribution Planning a new Masters and PhD programme in atmospheric science, focused on issues in the mountain areas of our region. Need people on an international advisory board Short training courses. Documentary films, websites, teaching materials. ALSO: HIRING TWO NEW STAFF: Aerosol scientist Air quality specialist/engineer Details at:

15 Collaborations & Contributions to Policy Facilitating the creation of a network of scientists in the region collaborating across borders. Ministerial meetings, raising awareness about transboundary interdependences. Active membership in the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC). THANK YOU!

16 Peak path area

17 The Atmosphere Initiative s contribution to science: Assess current atmospheric monitoring network across the Himalaya and identify gaps. Work towards a regional monitoring plan. Establish ICIMOD-initiated atmospheric observatories in collaboration with national partners. Organize field research campaigns.